Inspiring, empowering, and supporting people to achieve their full potential.
December 2021
PERSPECTIVES
DCBDD Updates
Technology First Conference
Did you miss this year's Technology First Conference? Don't worry - it was recorded! Click on the link to access the video on our YouTube channel.
DCBDD Closings in December & January
  • December 24 & 27 for the Winter Holiday
  • December 31 for New Year's Day
  • January 17 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

If you experience a crisis or need immediate assistance during any of these times, please contact Helpline and ask for the SSA on call at 740-369-3316.
Monthly Community Resource Feature
Winter Crisis Program
The Winter Crisis Program from Bridges Community Action provides help with paying heating bills for people who qualify. Click here for more information!
Monthly Technology First Feature
Project Relate
Google's newest assistive technology, Project Relate, looks to help people with atypical speech communicate with the people and technology around them. The app has three features. The Listen feature transcribes speech in real time, so you can copy-paste into other apps. With the Repeat feature, Relate can restate what you’ve said in a clear and synthesized voice that can be used for daily conversations with people who may have difficulty understanding atypical speech. There’s also an Assistant function that integrates with Google Assistant, so you can use smart home features, request directions, or play music. Click here to learn more.
Assistive Technology Lending Library
Interested in trying out some assistive technology to see if it meet your needs? Borrow a device from the DCBDD Assistive Technology Lending Library! Our current inventory includes:
·   Echo Show
·   Echo Dot
·   Smart Plug
·   Wyze Camera
·   Miku Monitor
·   Clip Different
To borrow a device, contact your Service Coordinator or Service & Support Administrator!
Community Events & Resources
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - sensory friendly performance
December 4
2:00 p.m.
Dublin Scioto High School
Tickets are available at dshstd.booktix.com
Sensory Friendly Santa Experience
December 5 & 12
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Join the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium for their sensory friendly Santa Experience! Reservations are limited and required. Click here for more information!
Let's Get Away, Together!
December 7, 14, 21
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Let’s Get Away Together is intended to be an enjoyable activity for family caregivers and the person they care for. This series is comprised of interactive sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community. Click here for more information and to register.
Special Education Legal Clinic
December 11
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In person or via Zoom
The Special Education Legal Clinic offers parents and guardians an opportunity to meet with a special education advocate or attorney in an open and welcoming environment to ask questions and discuss specific challenges related to education. Clinic staff members and volunteers will help guide parents and guardians through the special education process and provide resources to request and secure special education services. Click here for more information. 
Trusts & Estate Planning
December 14
6:30 p.m.
Via Zoom and Facebook Live
Join us for the November session of the Discovery Series, as we learn about trusts and estate planning. To learn more or to sign up for December's session, click here.

Discovery Series Archive
Did you miss one of the Discovery Series? Not to worry! All sessions are recorded and archived on our YouTube channel. Access the recordings by clicking here.
DODD's Family Advisory Council
December 15
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Family Advisory Council provides a forum for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to hear directly from family members about the issues that affect their lives and provides the opportunity to learn more about the department's current initiatives from executive staff. Click here for more information and to register.  
Santa & The Symphony
December 18
4:00 p.m.
Ho! Ho! Ho! It's the holiday season and New Albany Symphony Orchestra can't wait to share the gift of music with you! NASO's sensory friendly performances are a great introduction to the orchestral repertoire in a forgiving environment. Anyone is welcome to attend, but these concerts are designed specifically for those on the autism spectrum, young families, and our friends in the dementia/Alzheimer's communities. Click here to learn more.
Winning Friends with Pickleball!
December 20
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Young adults ages 13-19 with ASD are invited to a special pickleball event at SuperGames! Youth will get the opportunity to play pickleball with experienced coaches plus have a light dinner afterward. There is no cost for this event and all equipment is provided. For more information, click here.
NAMI Family-to-Family
January 5 - February 23 on Wednesdays
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. For more information, click here.
Delaware County Juvenile Court's Parent Project
Virtual: Tuesdays from January 18 - March 29
In-Person: Tuesdays from May 24 - August 2
Parent Project is a program that not only helps give parents new skills on how to more effectively manage destructive behavior, but it also is a program that provides support for parents that are struggling with making changes in their home. This program is designed for parents of kids 12-17 that are struggling to manage violence, drug use, habitually not following rules at school/home, and breaking the law. Click here for the referral form. 
Charting the LifeCourse -
A Series for Families
February 9, 16, and 23
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join Ohio Ambassador Barbara Sapharas for this 3 part series to learn how you can use the Charting the LifeCourse resources and tools to plan and advocate across the lifespan. Click here to register.
March Fourth to Employment Conference
March 4
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Save the date for Nationwide Children's Hospital's March Fourth to Employment Conference! There will be programming for students ages 16 and above with disabilities and their families, as well as local employers and managers interested in learning more about how to support individuals with disabilities in employment. Click here for more information.
Advocacy Feature
Architectural Trends in Accessible Design
December 2
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
New trends in architectural design, including those that have emerged due to the pandemic, can enhance – or compromise – accessibility. Join Access Board Accessibility Specialists who will review recent design trends that affect accessibility such as touchless controls and dispensers, sidewalk dining areas, social stairs, high-top tables, and smart environments, among others. To register, click here.
Regional Mobility Plan
MORPC is working with nine Central Ohio counties to develop a transit coordinated plan for the ODOT Human Service Transportation Coordination Region 6. The draft version of the Regional Mobility Plan is now available for review and comment by the public. Comments can be submitted by email to apetrella@morpc.org or in writing to MORPC, 111 Liberty Street, Suite 100, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Attn: Lexi Petrella, by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
The Ohio Department of Health has provided new information about the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster. Click here to learn more about the booster and who is eligible to receive the booster.
DCBDD is keeping our COVID-19 webpage updated with new information and resources. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to your DCBDD contact or call the main line 740-201-3600 for assistance.